What is "Pairing" With a Passkey?

"Pairing" with a passkey is a secure process that enables the transfer of a passkey from one device to another (cross-device authentication). This typically involves two key steps: First, the source device displays a QR code, which the destination device scans to initiate the transfer. To prevent unauthorized access, a Bluetooth proximity check is conducted to ensure both devices are close to each other, adding an additional layer of security.

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The concept of "pairing" with a passkey is crucial in modern authentication systems, particularly in scenarios where a user needs to transfer their credentials securely from one device to another. This process leverages both QR code scanning and Bluetooth proximity checks to ensure that the transfer is both seamless and secure.

1. QR Code Scanning:

   • The device currently holding the passkey generates a unique QR code.
   • This QR code contains encrypted information necessary for transferring the passkey.
   • The second device scans this QR code to initiate the passkey transfer.

2. Bluetooth Proximity Check:

   • After the QR code is scanned, both devices perform a Bluetooth proximity check.
   • This step is critical to ensure that the devices are physically close to each other, which prevents remote attacks or unauthorized access.
   • The proximity check acts as a secondary verification step to ensure that the transfer is intended and secure.

• Security: The combination of QR code scanning and Bluetooth proximity checks makes the passkey transfer process highly secure, reducing the risk of unauthorized access.
• User Experience: Despite the technical processes involved, pairing is designed to be user-friendly, allowing users to transfer their credentials with minimal effort.
• Cross-Device Functionality: As users increasingly operate across multiple devices, the ability to seamlessly and securely transfer passkeys between devices is essential for maintaining both security and convenience.

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